The Town of Oyster Bay will host its semi-annual blood drive on Thursday, August 7.
“With summer in full swing, our attention tends to focus on barbecues, going to the beach, taking a vacation and the other pleasures of the season, so donating blood is not generally on our minds,” said Councilman Joseph Muscarella. “The need for blood is continual, though, and the summer usually puts a strain on supplies. Donation drives, such as the ones sponsored by the Town, account for a large percentage of the blood collected by Long Island Blood Services. Without adequate assistance from volunteer blood donors, LIBS cannot meet its vital, life-saving mission and ensure quality health care delivery.”
“Blood banks need to be prepared 365 days a year,” Town Supervisor John Venditto said. “That is why people should always donate whenever they can. Donating is quick and easy and is an entirely safe procedure. All materials used during the process are sterile, disposable and used only once…by you. There is no danger of contracting any disease, including AIDS. The pint of blood you donate will never be missed by your body, which manufactures an equivalent amount in 24 hours. When broken down into component parts, one single pint of blood can be used to heal and help the bodies of three different people.”
The locations for the blood drives are: Town Hall South Conference Room, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.); Town Hall North at the Blood Mobile, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), the Department of Public Works War Room (Highway), 150 Miller Place, Syosset (11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and the Hicksville Athletic Center, 167 Broadway (one block north of Old Country Road) Hicksville (2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.).
In order to qualify as a blood donor, a person must between the ages of 17 and 75 years old…16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note…weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. All blood types are needed, especially O positive and O negative. The Town will provide refreshments for everyone who donates. Anyone requiring additional information should contact Nancy Haarstick at (516) 624-6304.
“And remember, there are many people out there hoping you are the type to give blood,” Councilman Muscarella said. “More important, you may also be the ‘right type’ for a patient waiting for the gift of life.”
